Asylum 101

The Asylum process in the United States is a very thorough and in depth process. If you are interested in the asylum process or want to find out if the asylum process is right for you, please contact a skilled immigration attorney. This blog will outline some basic information about the asylum process, who is eligible for asylum, and what is required to be successful in your asylum application.

In order to claim asylum, you must be physically present in the United States. You must also apply for asylum within one year of your last entry date into the US. Asylum can also be used as a defense while you are in removal proceedings. In order to claim asylum, you must have suffered or fear persecution for one of the following reasons:

Race

Religion

Nationality

Membership in a particular social group

Political opinion

Proving you have been persecuted or will be persecuted if you return to your home country is key to asylum proceedings. A lot of evidence and supporting documents will be needed to support your claims. Proof of imprisonment, kidnapping, physical abuse, harassment, threats, or acts of mass killing/genocide are all vital to asylum cases. These acts of persecution must also be connected to one or more of the five categories listed above.

The form you must complete is an Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal, form I-589. There is no cost for filing this form. Fingerprinting may also be required at no cost. Eventually you will have to go for an interview to discuss your reasons for seeking asylum. Again, a lot of information will be needed to complete a successful asylum application. You should contact a skilled immigration attorney if you’re interested in the asylum process.